Delaware Hospice offers many programs

Sussex Countian
By Valerie Lemoi
Managing Editor
valerie@sussexcountian.com

Delaware Hospice helps families of those who are nearing the end of life through many different programs, including Transitions, New Hope and Bereavement. Larry Ganster, counseling coordinator, heads these programs.

Social workers are provided by Delaware Hospice to counsel family members in all programs.

“They are there to provide emotional support,” Ganster said. “They communicate with family members and make a tough time the best it can be. Hospice is not doom and gloom like most people think. People often ask me how I can work in something so depressing. People need to realize we don’t really deal with death, but the quality of life.”

He said social workers get to know their patients and help them through the journey. A chaplain is there for spiritual support and Delaware Hospice also provides ordained ministers.

“They don’t come in to convert, save or preach,” Ganster explained. “They know the struggle and are there to answer questions.”

The New Hope Program began in 1992. It is a four-day camp that unites children and helps them through the grieving process. Now, the program also includes individual counseling.

A one-day support group for children and adolescents is also provided. Over 100 children and adolescents have been helped in New Hope this year.

Mary King is a New Hope counselor who works with children at school and home. She helps children deal with what is happening to their parents before and after death.

“It’s a tough time, but she helps them end on a positive note,” Ganster said.

King also helps parents understand what their children are going through. Ganster said children often take cues from adults, so they are taught how to grieve and learn how to talk about what goes on.

The camp is a place for children to use each other to get their energies out through positive behaviors. People from funeral homes and a chaplain also visit camp to explain different processes to the children.

Another activity at camp is creating a memory box. Children collect items that reflect the relationship of the person who recently died, or things that remind them of that person.

The Bereavement program is a basic one that follows the family and caregivers. Mailings of uplifting messages are sent and group counseling is offered in six to eight week segments. Individual counseling is also available.

“We don’t just serve those who have been through hospice, but also the community at large,” Ganster said.

Delaware Hospice offers bereavement luncheons in Sussex County throughout each month. On the first Thursday at 1 p.m., the group meets at Britts Dutch Inn in Laurel. On the second Thursday, a lunch is held at 1 p.m. at Grotto’s Pizza on Route 26 in Bethany Beach. The third Thursday 1 p.m. luncheon is held at Bonanza in Millsboro. On the fourth Thursday, the group meets at 1 p.m. at Ocean Point Grill on Route 1 in the Food Lion Shopping Center in Rehoboth Beach.

The Transitions program started about one year ago after research was done to see if hospice care was desired or needed in the state. It was discovered that certain people were not ready for hospice care, but needed help.

Transitions provides a non-medical resource case manager who will meet with the client and his or her family and provide support. People using this program are also connected to resources in the community and the case manager keeps in touch with the family through good times and bad.

There is no charge for any of the programs Delaware Hospice provides.
Ganster has been involved with Delaware Hospice for over 20 years and says the staff is “incredible.” He believes they have the most expertise of any hospice in the state.

“I consider it a privilege to come into people’s lives at this time,” he said. “I find it very humbling.”